We are pleased to partner with corporate sponsors who share our mission of extending tangible appreciation to our military heroes and veterans. By creatively combining our volunteer resources with support from the private sector, we are able to ensure that every individual member of the armed forces who requests a care package receives one.

As we close in on shipping our Millionth “shoebox” we look back at how we got started and how we have grown. From one mother’s heartache to a worldwide operation, find out how and why we ship the comforts of home to deployed troops worldwide.

Who fuels the boxes? Daily, we are grateful to receive goods and financial support from organizations like the Girl Scouts, Sam’s Club, and companies and small businesses around the nation. Our volunteers give tirelessly to make sure every hero’s needs are met.

Trade a few minutes of a smartphone game for a quick opportunity to reach out:
adopting a troop is as simple as this form on our website.
Do you really want to make it to the next level?
Partner with Operation Shoebox today to make a real difference in real lives.

Words cannot express how much we really appreciated the support we received!!! Every package felt like opening up presents on Christmas Day and it was a great morale booster. Even though we were doing our job, it made us feel even more appreciated receiving a package filled with love from a perfect stranger.

Collecting candy. Driving trucks full of cookies. Knitting hats. Donating old cell phones.
These are a few ways that volunteers make a difference to our troops. Our programs
work well in the workplace, civic groups, senior centers or places of worship.
Whatever your passion or time commitment – we have a place for you.

What started in a military mom’s living room has grown to an organization with global reach. Read Mary Harper’s story and learn how she coped with five children deployed in the U.S. Armed Forces simultaneously. From Belleview, Florida to Pennsylvania Avenue, Operation Shoebox is the unique vision of one woman who transformed crushing worry into millions of grins.

Your monthly support means the world to our troops around the world.

Most Recent Articles

As Operation Shoebox honors Veteran’s Day by packing its one millionth care package, its workers and volunteers are delighted to receive a van as a donation from Florida-based Tri-Eagle Sales. Operation Shoebox...

This Halloween, residents of Spruce Creek banded together to join in Operation Shoebox’s “Trick or Treat for Troops” program.Volunteers young and old alike collected the fun-sized candy that will be sent overseas to deployed service members.

News Delivered to Your Inbox

Like Us on Facebook

Operation Shoebox Mission

Operation Shoebox embraces a practical mission of providing hands-on support for our troops deployed overseas and returning home. It is the mission of Operation Shoebox to meet the needs of every hero with dignity and appreciation.

Whether it looks like packing coffee, socks, toothpaste and sports gear into care packages or sending letters of encouragement, whether it looks like organizing fundraisers or collecting supplies for homeless veterans, Operation Shoebox is committed to treating every hero with care and honor.

When you give a tax-deductible donation to Operation Shoebox, you can take pride in knowing that 100% of your gift goes directly to shipping costs and care package supplies. Shipping costs for an average month total between $11,000 and $17,000 in postage.

Troop of the month

I am a Army chaplain serving with 1-68th Armor Battalion. Our battalion falls under the 3 Brigade Combat Team which falls under 4th Infantry Division located in Ft. Carson, CO. My job is my life and I am available for Soldiers 24/7. I love what I do and I will continue to serve God, family, Soldier, and Country faithfully.

I am originally from Mississippi. I have been married 14 years to Leslie and we have two children Zoe 10 and Elijah 5. I have a combined time of 21 years of military service, Active (12 years) and National Guard (9 years). I am a former Infantry Soldier of Desert Storm. I am currently serving a second tour in Iraq as a chaplain.

Partner With Us

Photos

Current Poll

My name is Brad Nelson and I received a care package from you today. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Myself along with the rest of my company is extremely grateful for your generosity. The treats that you sent were a huge boost in moral and made my day along with many others. It is such a great feeling to know that there are people like you who are willing to support our troops.

CW2 Brad Nelson

I just want to send a quick note to say “thank you” for all the time you spend putting together your care packages for America’s Service Members! I received one the other day and it is so nice to have some comfort items and necessities. I really appreciate your kindness, caring thoughts and prayers!

LTC John Hammer

My name is Lewis and I am a Warrant Officer in the US Army stationed at Kandahar, Afghanistan. My unit received your care packages the other day and I want to say thank you! The cookies and Cracker Jacks are always fun to get, but I was mostly touched by a simple handwritten note from Ruth Salerno. The soldiers here do our job because we love our fellowman and we still believe in America. We do not seek accolades, yet I find it very satisfying (and humbling) to know you believe in us. You call u…

Lewis Thomas

Hello, I would like to extend a warm thank you for all that you all have done for my Soldiers located here in Afghanistan. I am the First Sergeant for Headquarters Company. I am just arriving to our final location and this is where we operate from. I noticed the stockings that were sent and passed out to our Soldiers. I want you to know the looks on their faces were priceless. Knowing they would be away from family during the holiday this let them know that they are not forgotten, Thanks…

SFC M M Jr. Task Force Buffalo

Just a quick note to say thanks for the care packages that you sent over to the 371st SUS BDE. The soldiers really like the items and even more is the fact that there are people like you that care and think about us while we are away from our families. So again I am very thankful to you. Thanks, thanks thanks.

SSG Rodney Jenkins

My name is Sergeant Carlos Valdez. I just received my care package from Operation Shoe Box today and I felt a need to email you guys back home and thank you for all the help and support all the volunteers have given to soldiers like myself. It’s been a while since I received mail here and this was definitely a moral booster. I would also like to thank Eleanor Sullivan from Summerfield Florida for the lovely card sent in my package, please let her know that her kind words didn’t go unnoticed and …

SGT Carlos Valdez

I just got one of your packages today and it was awesome! We got 8 bags, and I dispersed them quickly. Also, in the bags were some knit beanies. Man those were awesome! I will be sending an email soon with a picture of a few of us sporting them!

Philip C.

Thank you for the care packages we received here at FOB Wright, Afghanistan. The care packages truly mean a lot to many Soldiers deployed right now. Because we are in an outlying area, many packages do not get out here fast enough for the Soldiers. When they do receive the care packages, it’s like a piece of home for many. Especially for me, I appreciate the comics, crossword puzzles, and have found good use for the tube socks also. Once again,
thank you for all of your support.

Blackwell, William H

Thank you for your support. It is amazing to watch the faces of my troop when they receive your gifts of generosity. You lift them up and keep them motivated. Thank you for everything you do.

From: SSG John S

My name is SPC Tish House, and I am one of the many thankful Soldiers who received your goody bag. Thank you so much for your support, time, and effort. It makes us feel great knowing that someone cares. You all are awesome! God Bless You And Thank You Soooooooo Much!!!

Phone Numbers:

Tax Deductible Donations

Operation Shoebox is a 501(c)3 non profit organization. All contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by state and federal law. You can donate by check, any major credit or donate shares of stock. Contact Operation Shoebox for more information.